Text message alerts from the J are now available: If you would like to receive text message alerts for unscheduled building-wide announcements, i.e., building closures, late openings, etc., please send your request and mobile phone number to Heidi.Palchik@jccnv.org.

Families with Young Children

Connecting Through Growing Jewish Families

Challah Tots

Most enjoyed by children up to age 8.Begin your own special Shabbat tradition with your little one(s)! Join Growing Jewish Families for a fun-filled morning of braiding preschool-friendly challah and listening to a very special PJ Library story time! Whole Foods will provide the dough and you provide the smiles as we create the perfect challah to take home and bake for Shabbat!

PJ Library Book Buddies

Most enjoyed by children 12 months-8 yearsMoms, dads, grandparents, and anyone who loves books — you are invited to bring your children to enjoy PJ Library story time. Each month we focus on a different Jewish theme or holiday to incorporate into multiple arts and crafts projects for the kids to bring home.

NEW! j.family Socials

Sundays, January 13, April 28, July 21, 9:30am–11amLocation: the JThe j.family Ambassador program cordially invites you to our new quarterly socials for local families wanting to deepen their Jewish connections and meet other families with children ages 0-36 months. Not a member of the j.family Ambassador program yet? Not a problem! Visit our website and complete our fast and easy sign up to receive updates on these events throughout the year. Please add these to dates to your calendar. Email Amy.Lummer@jccnv.org and stay tuned to GJF for more details. We look forward to schmoozing with you!

j.family Rosh Hashanah Supper Circles

Calling all j.family Ambassador families: start a new tradition for your growing family! Meals are more fun and a lot less work when you share the experience with friends. Stay tuned for sign up information in late August to link up with other families with young children from your area.

Shalom Babies & Tots

Monthly Playdates. Two Opportunities for Fun! MEET... CONNECT... PLAY! Little ones aren’t the only ones who want to have fun. Come meet friends and enjoy a morning of fun while the little ones play in a warm and safe environment.

Shalom Babies & Tots @ the J

Sundays, January 27, February 10, April 14, May 19, June 30, Saturday, March 2 10am–11:30am, the J Romper Room (please bring socks for kids and adults)Recommended for ages 0–3yrs

Shalom Babies & Tots @ NoVa Playlabs

Sundays, January 6, February 3, March 31, April 14, May 5 and June 2310am–11:30am Address: 3656 Centerview Drive, Chantilly Recommended for ages 0–5 years

New! Connecting the Expecting Dinner Clubs

Our dinner clubs are a perfect way to share the amazing experience between “ohmmigosh....a baby?!” and “announcing the arrival of our newest family member!” with other expecting parents in the area. Moms, dads, singles, couples, first timers and ‘frequent fliers’... we’ve got you covered.

These adult-only dinner nights are designed to meet at least three times throughout your last trimester and one time for a Baby Bump Shabbat Dinner with a j.family Ambassador (j.fa) to answer any questions you might have about Jewish community resources in Northern Virginia.

Assistance with matching families and initial introductions will be provided through the j.fa program-but once connected, your club will determine how often and where you’d like to meet based on participants’ needs and schedules. Meetings will occur at local restaurants convenient to the group — so no need to clean your house for these fabulous dinners. So easy! Each participant will be responsible for his or her own tab.

GJF Park Create ‘n Play Neighborhood Playdates

Come out and play at Growing Jewish Families park play dates. These groups are a great way to meet other families that live near your neighborhood! GJF and your local j.family Ambassadors are excited to help you connect with other Jewish families close to home. Please contact Jennifer.DeAngelis@jccnv.org or Rebecca.Greene@jccnv.org for information on how to start a playgroup in your neck of the woods!

Mighty Mitzvah MakersFamily Social Action Experiences

Contact: Jennifer.DeAngelis@jccnv.orgConnect with other families interested in social justice issues and introduce your kids to family-friendly ways to give back to their communities - from counting diapers to sorting food, look for family opportunities to give back to the community every other month. Email Jennifer to be included on the GJF Social Action Club email list and/or to email her with ideas and suggestions.

Shabbat Clusters

Celebrate Shabbat with your family and with friends new and not so new! Growing Jewish Families would love to help you connect with families who live near you to share a family-friendly meal with other folks from your neighborhood. Contact Rebecca.Greene@jccnv.org for information on how you can join a Shabbat Cluster.

Coffee and Convos

C&C with Rebecca Greene, jfaVarious locations throughout Annandale, Oakton, Vienna, West Falls ChurchFor parents and children ages 0 - 18 monthsFee: Each family pays for their own refreshments

C&C with Julie Koppel, jfaVarious locations throughout Ashburn, Herndon, Leesburg, Reston, SterlingFor parents and children ages 0 - 18 monthsFee: Each family pays for their own refreshments

C&C with Michelle Leichty, jfaVarious locations throughout Centreville, Chantilly, Gainesville, Manassas, South RidingFor parents and children ages 0 - 18 monthsFee: Each family pays for their own refreshments

C&C with Julie Rezmovic-Tonti, jfaVarious locations throughout Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, SpringfieldFor parents and children ages 0 - 18 monthsFee: Each family pays for their own refreshments

C&C with Melissa Weinstock, jfaVarious locations throughout Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, McLean For parents and children ages 0 - 18 monthsFee: Each family pays for their own refreshments

Summer Stroller

Walk n’ TalksAges: 0-18 monthsHaving a hard time fitting in a bit of exercise since your little one’s arrival? No problem! Meet your local j.family Ambassador (jfa) at a park or indoor location NEAR YOU for a fun, low-stress stroll! Buckle in your kiddo and prepare to be amazed at how fast an hour flies by as you zip around with other Jewish families in your area! Bring snacks and a water bottle — and enjoy a fun way to log some steps! Fee: Free

For information on the next Walk n’ Talk in your neighborhood, email your area jfa; check out the Growing Jewish Families Facebook page, or emailAmy.Lummer@jccnv.org , or 703.537.3037.

All About Town: Helpers and Healers

Ages: 12 months-8 yearsHave your children ever wondered what our local helpers and healers do in our community? If so, you’ll want to bring them on a GJF adventure through Northern Virginia as we explore and learn about these very special people. Some places we visit might include a fire station, Whitehall Farm, police station, synagogues around town, grocery store, post office, or even a veterinarian’s office!

All Aboard the GJF Tot Shabbat Train

Share Shabbat with families from the J’s GJF program and visit different synagogues services around NoVA. While Tot Shabbats are designed for toddlers and preschoolers, the whole family is invited to attend. RSVP strongly requested due to space and security reasons.

Havdalah Hangouts

Looking for a gentle, low-stress way to introduce a beautiful Jewish tradition into your family’s summer? Do you and your family enjoy long, lazy summer evenings hanging out with friends just as the stars begin to light up the sky? Please join Growing Jewish Families and your local j.family Ambassadors for three different Havdalah Hangout events this summer, as we say farewell to Shabbat and begin our new week in the company of wonderful friends — new and old! Whether you're schmoozing, picnicking, or just chillin’, be sure to join us for tons of family fun!Fee: Free